Schwartzenberger, Mary Beth

The process of making art is ¾ learning who you are as a person and then accepting those definitions. This is the first stage in creating art with your “voice” and when done honestly, allows you to create art which is distinct from others.

Understanding your materials is the second step in the process. I believe the materials choose us, we are drawn to use certain materials through the connection they make to us. They may transport us to a time in our childhood, perhaps a certain relative, perhaps a beautiful spring day; it’s those associative memories that call us to a certain medium.

The expression of collage is very liberating for me. It allows for the combinations of unlikely partners such as fabric and paper, hard and soft, dull and shiny. It is this combination of opposites which brings energy to my work that hopefully translates to the viewer.

Click here to visit Mary Beth's website.


Schwartzenberger, Mary Beth

Jazz Fest29x29 Handmade paper, Caran d'Ache crayon, DMC floss, silk fabricHand and machine sewn

Jazz Fest
29x29
Handmade paper, Caran d'Ache crayon, DMC floss, silk fabric
Hand and machine sewn

Aerial View 12x12 Handmade paper, acrylic paint, DMC flossHand and machine sewn

Aerial View
12x12
Handmade paper, acrylic paint, DMC floss
Hand and machine sewn

Wind Chime23x29Mulberry paper, acrylic paint, buttons, beads, bellHand sewn

Wind Chime
23x29
Mulberry paper, acrylic paint, buttons, beads, bell
Hand sewn

Blue Abstract with Orange 29x29 Handmade paper, Caran d'Ache crayon, silk, DMC flossHand and machine sewn

Blue Abstract with Orange 
29x29
Handmade paper, Caran d'Ache crayon, silk, DMC floss
Hand and machine sewn

Copyright © 2011-2012 Surface Art Association. All rights reserved. • Last Updated: 6 Februrary 2012